Chapter 220: They

Yangjiao Lantern Alley, the main house of the sihe courtyard still had lights on.

Old Yan looked at the clock on the wall: "Don't wait anymore—it's nearly midnight. He's not coming back."

"Call him and make him come home."

Zhang Hong felt stifled: "We didn't settle yesterday's matter, and we agreed he wouldn't stay overnight—I vouched for him. If we break our word, how can we face people?"

She preferred Dong Xuan, and thought Yan Li had stayed behind with Fan Xiaopang.

She not only defended Dong Xuan but also held a grudge against Fan Xiaopang, feeling he'd deliberately undermined her.

Yan Nainai glanced at her daughter-in-law and stopped her son: "Maybe he's got other business. The kid's grown up, has his own mind—elders should mind less."

Old Yan had no intention of calling; he had no idea what his son was up to right now—it could get awkward.

The aunt didn't care whether Yan Li came back, but she was curious about one thing.

"Mama, Brother Two, Sister-in-Law Two—today's two visitors, which one do you like better?"

Zhang Hong instinctively met Yan Nainai's gaze, then spoke first.

"I think Dong Xuan's good—quiet, has been with Xiao Li for a long time, and she's a university teacher."

But Yan Nainai disagreed: "I think Bingbing's better."

"Mama, you don't even watch the news—don't you know this girl's no good? If you bring her into the family, trouble's guaranteed."

Since they were family, Zhang Hong didn't hold back—she voiced her opinion of Fan Xiaopang outright.

She also pointed out that Yan Nainai's favoritism toward Fan Xiaopang might stem from being misled by today's performance, but the old lady couldn't read and never watched entertainment news—she had no real grasp of Fan Xiaopang's full character.

"You're just worried you won't be able to control this daughter-in-law—you want a meek one."

Yan Nainai didn't hold back—she cut straight to Zhang Hong's hidden motive.

She'd been a mother-in-law herself, with three daughters-in-law—she knew exactly what was going on in Zhang Hong's mind.

Zhang Hong had only one son, cared deeply about him, and being a rural woman with little wit or cunning, she naturally feared a strong-willed daughter-in-law who might tower over her.

Compared to the bold, flashy Fan Xiaopang, Dong Xuan's demeanor matched her ideal 【daughter-in-law template】.

Zhang Hong bristled at Yan Nainai's words: "What do you mean by that? I'm thinking of Yan Li—he's busy with his career every day; wouldn't you rather have a sweet, obedient wife than a troublemaker?"

"Precisely because he's building a career, he needs someone who can handle things."

Yan Nainai raised her voice: "My grandson's accomplished—he's a man destined for great things. Don't try to fit him into petty household thinking."

"He's in the midst of building his empire—he needs a capable woman behind him, someone who can stand by him in critical moments. Men are impulsive, Yan Li's young and headstrong—if trouble comes, he needs someone who can hold him back. Dong Xuan's too soft; Bingbing can."

"Who's petty? In a marriage, only one person should have strong opinions—if both do, the house will be in chaos every day."

"Having opinions is better than having none—and opinions vary in scale. Judging by today's show, are you really afraid my grandson can't handle her?"

Each held firm to her own view, each with her own logic. After discussing temperament and how each woman could help Yan Li, they drifted into talking about appearance and figure.

"Dong Xuan is well-proportioned, fair and clean-looking—clearly a decent girl."

"Bingbing's beautiful—men love beauty. Think of Yan Li. Besides, this girl is tall, sturdy, with a wide hips—clearly built to bear sons."

"Dong Xuan isn't short either—slim waist, broad hips, great figure."

"..."

Old Yan couldn't take it anymore—he was still sitting there, and now they were talking about this?

"No matter how loudly you two argue, it's useless. Who Yan Li chooses—or doesn't—is up to you two?"

"I'm his mother—how can I not have a say?"

Zhang Hong blurted it out, but she knew deep down.

Her son was no longer the boy he used to be—he was now the pillar and backbone of the whole family.

As his mother, she could voice her opinion, but the final decision rested with Yan Li.

Even if Yan Li hadn't made it big—if they'd had to pay for his apartment himself—he'd still choose his own wife, and no mother could force him otherwise.

Unable to sway her son, Zhang Hong turned on Old Yan: "Look what your good son's done—unruly as a child, even worse now."

Yan Nainai bristled at her daughter-in-law's words about her son and beloved grandson.

"Is Yan Li not your son? Why don't you think about how you've been a mother?"

"Besides, how is my grandson unruly? If he were obedient, you'd never have lived in this six-million-yuan Beijing house in your next life."

Zhang Hong snapped—her mother-in-law was stabbing her right in the heart. She'd held back so far, but now it was endless?

"I'm his mother—what's wrong with scolding him? Now you play the good grandmother? When I gave birth to Yan Li, I couldn't even eat an egg during my confinement without you complaining?"

"..."

Watching the bickering mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, Old Yan could only step in to soothe them, cursing Yan Li silently in his heart.

That little brat's cozying up to his girlfriend somewhere, sleeping soundly, while he's stuck holding the bag.

These two hadn't fought in years back home—come to Beijing and they're at each other's throats. And that little brat kept saying he brought them here for a life of luxury—luxury from his grandmother… from his mother… damn luxury…

…

Beiying Small District, bedroom

Dong Xuan was asleep; Yan Li was waiting for the midnight intelligence update—he needed to see what everyone was thinking, to prepare his response.

At the appointed time, the intelligence refreshed on schedule. Yan Li kept shaking his head as he read.

What a mess!

Everyone had their own agenda. After scanning a few entries, Yan Li saw the overall situation was still under control, so he set it aside.

Having gained the intelligence system and excelling at "reading" people, Yan Li understood better than ever: "There are no saints when it comes to motives." Understandable. Observable. But never take it too seriously.

But one piece of intelligence surprised him slightly.

Fan Xiaopang had held something back from him.

She'd indeed learned the news from an administrative under Hu Ya, but finding Yangjiao Lantern Alley wasn't based on piecing together fragments of what Yan Li had said.

Yan Li had said similar things before—but he'd said many things.

To extract two key elements from a flood of information and connect them—that was beyond even professional intelligence officers. Fan Xiaopang had simply reverse-engineered the answer—of course she got it right.

As for Fan Xiaopang's source, it was Yan Xin's girlfriend.

Yan Xin, this cousin, due to his status and Yan Li's trust, had become a target for Dong, Fan, and Qin to court—but Fan had achieved the most noticeable results.

She hadn't won over Yan Xin, but she'd won over his girlfriend, who was her fan. Fan Xiaopang was generous with gifts, and they'd built a solid relationship.

When Fan Xiaopang learned Yan Li's family had arrived in Beijing, she immediately realized Yan Xin might be a key insider—and so she targeted his girlfriend to get the information.

When Yan Li interrogated her, she hesitantly named the administrator—she sacrificed the lesser pawn to protect her top mole.

"They're all sieves."

Yan Li shook his head, but he understood—professional institutions were riddled with infiltration, let alone his circle of ordinary people.

His security measures were limited, and the target was Fan Xiaopang—a close person—so he naturally lowered his guard.

In fact, Yan Xin's girlfriend might have deliberately done this—to curry favor with Fan Xiaopang and gain benefits for herself or Yan Xin.

Again, there's no 100% loyalty. Everyone has their own agenda. Yan Li had the system—he could know, but not control.

But betrayal is betrayal.

Revealing his parents' address to Fan Xiaopang wasn't a big deal—but what if he someday leaked it to his enemies?

Or what if some other critical matter reached a rival, causing his entire plan to collapse?

Yan Li had risen on intelligence—he knew how deadly it was. He'd been too busy, hadn't suffered losses, so he hadn't taken this seriously enough. He needed to reorganize his team—especially those close to him—tighten their lips.

He'd have to speak separately with Hu Ya and Yan Xin. Though neither meant harm, they were still responsible.

The administrator wouldn't be kept. As for Yan Xin's girlfriend, he'd give her one chance, out of family ties.

If Yan Xin could control her, fine—no repeat offenses. If he couldn't, either break up, or let the couple go live as wild lovers.

Yan Li was willing to help his brothers get rich—he wanted them to help him, not drag him down or cause chaos.

He could forgive mistakes—but if someone remained stubborn, couldn't tell right from wrong, he wasn't short of cousins.

And Fan Xiaopang!

Yan Li had higher tolerance for his women—beyond emotion, he felt they tacitly accepted his womanizing and tolerated him deeply, so he owed them some face in return.

But Fan Xiaopang had gone too far this time—playing deception with him. If he didn't curb her arrogance now, she might become even bolder.

After thinking it over, Yan Li composed a few text messages and sent them.

The next day, Fan Xiaopang, who'd planned to return to Yangjiao Lantern Alley to make another impression, was urgently recalled by the "Mo Gong" production team.

Helpless, she left Beijing first—but barely arrived in Yixian, still without makeup, when she heard bad news.

The administrator who'd tipped her off had been fired!

And Hu Ya, the Head of the Palace Office, had been severely reprimanded by Yan Li for "work negligence"—recorded demerit, bonus deducted, and part of her duties reassigned to others.

The bonus cut and demerit were trivial—the real blow was losing the Master's favor and being stripped of power.

Hu Ya had thrived in Yi'an—vice directors and department heads all gave her respect—because of Yan Li's trust.

Fan Xiaopang could imagine how Hu Ya would feel if she learned her actions had caused this unwarranted punishment.

"..."

Hu Ya's situation could still be salvaged. Fan Xiaopang first sent someone to comfort and compensate the fired administrator.

Since she'd caused his dismissal, she had to make it right—otherwise, who would follow her in the future?

But Fan Xiaopang didn't understand why Yan Li had reacted so fiercely.

He fired the administrator without hesitation, and publicly punished Hu Ya—clearly meant for her to see.

But last night had been fine—had Yan Li been truly furious, he wouldn't have soothed her and gone upstairs with her. That wasn't his style. Something was off.

Fan Xiaopang racked her brain, then heard another thunderclap.

Because she'd left without notice for filming, she'd sent an assistant to Yangjiao Lantern Alley to deliver gifts as an apology—and the assistant told her he'd seen Qin Lan inside the courtyard.

"..."

Fan Xiaopang couldn't sit still.

Something's definitely happened—she and Dong Xuan just left, and now they've immediately assigned Qin Lan; this is very likely an expression of dissatisfaction toward her or Dong Xuan.

Without you, I still have XX!

Considering she was mysteriously transferred to the set and her administrative position was revoked, Fan Xiaopang strongly suspects Yan Li is targeting her.

But why?!

Fan Xiaopang went straight to the director to request leave again, planning to return to Beijing and confront Yan Li for answers.

But the director refused—she took leave yesterday, and now again today? Is the crew your family's business? In the end, they compromised: shoot first, try to finish early, then let her go.

…

Yangjiao Deng Hutong

Watching Qin Lan chat warmly with Zhang Hong, Old Yan opened his mouth but held back, finally squeezing out a sentence.

"Let me tell you—this is the last one. If there's one more, your mother and I are packing up and going back to the countryside."

"Don't worry."

Yan Li knew Old Yan had it hard; there was still a red scratch mark on his ear from being grabbed. He patted his father's arm.

"I have a friend who's a council member of the China Culinary Association. I'll introduce you to him later—get you a membership too."

"The China Culinary Association? National-level?"

Old Yan's eyes lit up. He was just a country cook—he didn't dream of becoming a master chef or top-class chef—but getting into the China Culinary Association? He could brag back home.

Even though his son Yan Li was now doing well and gave him plenty of material to brag about, nothing felt more satisfying than bragging about himself.

"Good son, don't worry about your mom or grandma—I've got your back. I'm still the head of this household."

Old Yan pounded his chest loudly.

He wasn't just talking big—back then, the family relied on his income, and he was the one whose word carried the most weight.

Though Zhang Hong, emboldened by her son's support, had grown increasingly dismissive of him these past two years, at critical moments, Old Yan still had some residual authority.

Since Yan Li had afternoon commitments and feared Qin Lan might feel uncomfortable alone, after lunch, he took her away.

On the way, Qin Lan hesitated: "I feel your mom and grandma aren't that warm toward me."

"It's just unfamiliarity. Get to know each other, and it'll be fine."

Yan Li offered casual reassurance, but Qin Lan wasn't easily fooled: "Unfamiliar? No—you're just late. Dong and Fan got here first and won over your mom and grandma."

"This isn't my fault. I didn't say a word—it was Yan Xin's girlfriend who leaked it."

"I rushed you here to meet Grandma and Mom to make up for it, because I was afraid you'd overthink it—and now you're blaming me? How ungrateful."

Yan Li held the steering wheel, dumping all blame onto Yan Xin's girlfriend.

You wanted to pick a side, didn't you?

Then pick more thoroughly. In Dong Xuan and Qin Lan's eyes, Fan Xiaopang and the other woman both got their info from her—Yan Li is "innocent."

Whether they believe it or not doesn't matter—as long as the blame isn't aimed at Yan Li, he'll shoulder it anyway. That's the price for her playing clever.

Seeing Qin Lan still deeply worried, and remembering she was the last to know, and thus unfairly treated, Yan Li thought for a moment and spoke.

"I'll tell you a secret only you know."

"Go on."

"My mom and grandma… don't get along. Getting too close to one of them risks trouble. Being late actually helps—you can avoid this landmine."

Qin Lan's eyes brightened; she understood Yan Li's implication: "They stepped on it?"

Yan Li didn't answer, only said: "Now you see how good I am. Kiss me."

"Good? Pfft."

Qin Lan wasn't stupid; she glared at him: "Two peaches kill three warriors. What landmine? You're just watching us fight, flattering your family, and enjoying yourself, aren't you?"

"See? If I don't take you to meet my parents, you'll throw a fit later. If I do take you, you think I'm secretly laughing at you."

Yan Li looked wounded: "If you're uncomfortable, we won't go to Yangjiao Deng Hutong anymore—I'll just say you're on a business trip."

"Why shouldn't we go? If I don't go, your whole family will be won over by Dong and Fan."

Qin Lan refused. Even though she saw Yan Li wasn't up to anything good, the situation was clear: unless she was willing to quit, she had to fight.

"Exactly. I don't want to watch you fight—it makes me uncomfortable, and it makes our family uneasy. It's all Yan Xin's fault. I'll give him a real beating later."

With one hand on the wheel and the other holding Qin Lan's, Yan Li spoke gently.

"If you want to show effort, show it. If not, just put on a show. After all, the family backs me—just make sure they don't dislike you."

Qin Lan's heart warmed, then she asked: "Who else have you said this to?"

"Look at you."

Yan Li was speechless: "I dropped my work, spent the whole morning taking you to meet my parents—ask them if those two got this treatment yesterday."

"I was just asking."

Seeing Yan Li upset, Qin Lan gripped his hand softly: "Don't be mad. I'm sorry, okay?"

"Say 'I'm sorry.'"

Qin Lan took a deep breath: "…I'm sorry."

Yan Li glanced at her, ruffled her hair: "Fine. If you want, I'll arrange for you to take them around Beijing."

"Your mom and grandma are easy to please—flatter them, show you truly care for me, buy them gifts, and they'll accept you as family."

Qin Lan nodded eagerly, but still had one concern: "If I don't pick a side, won't they team up and exclude me?"

Picking a side risks angering the other; not picking a side might mean benefiting from both—or angering both.

"That depends on your skill. If all else fails, just act dumb—you don't even need to fake it. You're already dumb. Dumb people get more leeway."

"You're the dumb one."

Qin Lan pinched Yan Li's tiger's mouth, then began carefully planning her strategy—and how to fix it if things went wrong.

Yan Li drove Qin Lan back to Guanghua Li, where she brought up moving.

The house in Shuangjing Fuli City was fully renovated and ventilated long enough to be habitable.

Qin Lan had mentioned moving before, but waited for Yan Li's return to Beijing. Now that he was back, it was time to set a date.

"Fine. You decide."

Yan Li had no objections. Though Guanghua Li was nice and held memories, it was an old neighborhood with limited space.

Fuli City was bigger and more luxurious—if there's a better place to live, why not enjoy it?

Not just Qin Lan's Fuli City apartment—his and Dong Xuan's house was also ready to move into.

But due to work, Dong Xuan preferred living near Beidian, in Beiying Xiaoqu, and had yet to mention moving.

After Qin Lan left, before returning to the company, Yan Li went to Beiying Xiaoqu and told Dong Xuan, who was home on leave, what he'd uncovered as the "truth."

"... t was all Yan Xin's girlfriend's doing... Qin Lan went too... I didn't want you two to fight... If you want to show effort, show it; if not, just pretend... I'll tell you a little secret—my mom really likes you..."

"... his time I didn't think it through. I wanted you to impress my family... It's all Yan Xin's fault—I'll give him a real beating... Yeah, take them out, buy them gifts... Sorry you're going through this..."

"..."

Leaving Beiying Xiaoqu, Yan Li went to a business building for a meeting—it was the headquarters of Yi'an Cinema Chain.

Yi'an Cinema Chain had now completed its name change, most procedures were settled, and the first batch of theater locations were basically confirmed.

It was time to make a public appearance!

After reviewing the work and the launch event's schedule, Yan Li attended another social gathering.

After finishing everything, Yan Li returned to Yangjiao Deng Hutong. As soon as he walked in, he saw Fan Xiaopang sitting there, eyes watery, while Yan Nainai and Zhang Hong comforted her.

He frowned and looked at his father: "What happened?"

"I don't know. She burst into tears the moment she came in, said she upset you, but won't say how, and won't let me call you—says she's waiting for you to apologize."

"Come here."

Yan Li glanced at Fan Xiaopang and called her into his east-wing bedroom.

Fan Xiaopang had none of her usual arrogance. She kept crying inside. Yan Li's head throbbed.

"Enough. That act works on Mom and Grandma—it doesn't work on me."

"I... I'm not faking."

Fan Xiaopang's tears kept falling as she sniffled: "I know I messed up. When you get angry, I'm terrified you'll ignore me, so I came to you."

"And I didn't mean to come to your parents. Your phone was unreachable, texts went unanswered, I didn't know where you were—I just came here hoping for luck."

"Stop crying."

Yan Li was truly defeated. These women had all figured out his weakness.

Dong Xuan cried when things went wrong. Qin Lan was made of water—tears flowed like they cost nothing.

Fan Xiaopang, usually the toughest of them, had learned this trick too—and she'd mastered it.

After all, she came from Qiong Yao's world—she knew how to cry!

Fan Xiaopang had cried for Yan Li before—beautiful, but fake. This time, whether she'd practiced or truly felt it, her emotional impact had skyrocketed.

Her crying still carried her own flavor—wounded and pained, yet with a stubborn edge. And that stubbornness made her even more pitiable.

Only a rose with thorns, unwilling to bend under storm and rain, would soak its petals.

Yan Li held back for a long while, but couldn't resist—he handed her a tissue and scolded:

"Stop crying."

"Okay."

Fan Xiaopang looked at him pitifully, bit her lower lip to stifle her sobs. Yan Li's temples throbbed.

A tigress turned into a bunny—who could handle that?

Forcing himself calm, Yan Li stared at Fan Xiaopang with a blank expression: "Do you know what you did wrong?"

Fan Xiaopang shook his head: "But I must be wrong—otherwise you wouldn't deliberately embarrass me just to make me realize it."

"You don't need to do that. Just tell me directly—I'll follow your lead."

Yan Li snorted. He knew Fan Xiaopang too well; if he didn't embarrass her once and show her who was boss, she wouldn't take it seriously.

Like now, coming all the way to apologize and play the victim—not because she knew she was wrong, but because she was scared.

"Did you really find this courtyard's address yourself?"

Yan Li gave her a hint, and Fan Xiaopang finally understood what had happened. She was filled with regret—just one wrong decision. If she'd only confessed yesterday, none of this would've happened.

If she'd come to Yan Li's parents yesterday, she could've blamed it on him not telling her they were in town.

But her arranging a spy was a sensitive matter—even if others weren't above pulling similar tricks.

Using yesterday's incident with Dong Xuan as cover, Yan Li, feeling guilty, just vaguely named names and got away with it.

But she'd kept one last card up her sleeve—and Yan Li caught her red-handed, then used it to settle old scores. She had no reply.

"I was wrong."

Fan Xiaopang didn't play the fool—she owned up to it, even defended Yan Xin's girlfriend, saying the girl had just been manipulated into talking, and begged Yan Li not to harass her.

"You're loyal, aren't you?"

Yan Li laughed bitterly. He hadn't missed it—this woman, once she realized the reason, knew he'd only be giving her a warning. She'd visibly relaxed.

Sensing she'd revealed too much, Fan Xiaopang quickly made amends, stepping forward and clinging to Yan Li's arm, swaying it gently.

"Don't be mad. I was wrong, but I only did it because I care about you…"

This phrasing felt familiar?!

Yan Li froze. This wasn't his usual tactic—this woman was throwing his own tricks right back at him.

"Don't pull that crap."

Yan Li wouldn't fall for his own trick. He laid out her punishment clearly: "For the next few days, you'll stay quietly in Yixian filming. My family has company."

"Fine, no problem. As long as you're satisfied, I'll do anything."

Fan Xiaopang agreed without hesitation—Yan Li was almost dazed.

Looking at her face that could topple nations, he thought: if she kept treating him like this, obedient and helpful to his career, and got along well with his family, Dong and Qin might truly stand no chance against her.

But soon, Fan Xiaopang proved she was still the same troublesome fox spirit.

"I know I was wrong, but you can't keep me hidden forever. How about tomorrow or the day after—I'll clear my schedule and take Grandma and your uncle and aunt out to dinner?"

Yan Li hesitated. Fan Xiaopang pulled at him, cooing and pouting. Eventually, he nodded.

"Then you come too. We'll eat together."

Fan Xiaopang seized the chance. Since he'd agreed to dinner, she dropped the pretense and nodded eagerly.

Watching Fan Xiaopang happily studying restaurant menus, Yan Li couldn't help asking.

"Am I treating you so badly that it doesn't bother you?"

After all, she was a top star—there were plenty of wealthy second-generation heirs and businessmen chasing her, some even richer than Yan Li.

Of course, overall, Yan Li still stood out; the others all had their own flaws.

But overall, Fan Xiaopang had more options. Why should she endure injustice and cling to just him?

Fan Xiaopang glanced at Yan Li, then revealed her old self: "I'm willing. What's it to you?"

"Hmm. Now this feels right."

Yan Li nodded. Fan Xiaopang couldn't help rolling her eyes: "You're such a masochist. Can't stand it when I'm sweet, but feel good when I snap back."

"I'm happy. What's it to you?"

Yan Li threw her own words back at her. Fan Xiaopang pouted.

After a while, the main house grew curious about what was happening. Old Yan knocked and asked.

The two stepped out. Fan Xiaopang explained it was just a small misunderstanding, now settled.

Zhang Hong still wasn't reassured. She quietly asked Yan Li what had happened. Hearing from him it wasn't serious, she finally relaxed.

Fan Xiaopang stayed for dinner with the family, tasting Old Yan's cooking for the first time. She showered him with praise so lavish he laughed more than Maitreya Buddha.

After dinner, they chatted a while longer. Fan Xiaopang glanced at her phone and whispered to Yan Li.

"I should head back. I have filming tomorrow."

"Head back?"

Yan Li froze. This woman had come crying, pouting, sweet-talking him—now that his anger had cooled and he'd built up some heat, she wanted to slip away?

"Fine. I'll see you off."

Yan Li thought it, and said nothing—stood up to escort Fan Xiaopang out.

This time, Fan Xiaopang was stunned: "You're really seeing me off?"

"Of course I am."

Fan Xiaopang slowed her steps: "Isn't it too late? The roads aren't safe. Earlier, when I went to that east annex, it felt chilly. Old houses like this have their superstitions. Are you sure you'll be fine alone?"

Good grief, she's bringing out ghost stories now!

Yan Li smiled sweetly: "Don't worry about me. If you really insist, I'll just go stay with Dong Xuan or Qin Lan for the night."

"Stay with you…"

Fan Xiaopang glanced at Yan Li's family, who were sneaking glances at them. She beamed, raising her voice.

"You're right—it's not safe. I'll stay till morning. You've worked all day—you're tired. Let me fetch you some water to soak your feet and relieve the fatigue."

Saying this, Fan Xiaopang rolled up her sleeves to fetch water. Yan Li turned back, saw his family, and sat on the sofa, slowly crossing his legs.

Old Yan couldn't help glancing at Zhang Hong. She glared at him.

Soak his feet?

Should I mix DDT with rat poison and brew you a nice cup of tea to whet your appetite?

But Yan's grandmother nodded at her grandson: "The girl came to apologize. If it's not a big deal, let it go. Don't put on airs—it'll only chill her heart."

"Go to your room. Let her bring the water—you two wash together. Women need to be coddled a bit; then they'll willingly listen to you."

"Understood."

Yan Li nodded, called out, and headed to the east annex. Zhang Hong watched her son leave, then turned to the old lady.

"You know everything—why teach the grandson but not your own son?"

Yan's grandmother looked at her and Old Yan: "Only coddle someone you can control. If you can't control them, the more you coddle, the more they'll push back."

Zhang Hong: "..."

Old Yan: "..."

————

The next day, Fan Xiaopang returned to Yixian first, then rushed back to Jingcheng that evening to formally host Yan Li's family at a high-end restaurant.

On the third and fourth days, Dong Xuan visited, taking the Yan family to tour the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven Park.

After a day's rest, Qin Lan came by, taking the Yan family to the Badaling Great Wall and visiting the still-under-construction Olympic venues.

Yan's grandmother and Zhang Hong had a wonderful time. The younger aunt, however, felt both happy and bitter.

Look at Second Sister-in-law Zhang Hong—three daughters-in-law accompanying her, feeding her, shopping with her, attending to every detail like serving the Empress Dowager.

Now look at herself—Yan Xin, that little rascal, kept bragging about his girlfriend with a Beijing hukou, how wonderful she was. Getting her to meet the family took half a day.

And when they finally met, she treated Second Sister-in-law with more warmth and respect than she did her own mother-in-law.

She wondered: they were all Yan family blood—how could the difference be so great?

(End of Chapter)